Structure of an Act of Parliament Flashcards
(12 cards)
What is the main purpose of the long title in an Act of Parliament?
A. To provide a detailed overview of the Act’s scope and purpose
B. To list all penalties under the Act
C. To give the Act a memorable name
D. To define technical terms used in the Act
A. To provide a detailed overview of the Act’s scope and purpose
Explanation: The long title helps indicate the intent of Parliament and may assist in statutory interpretation.
What does the commencement section of an Act do?
A. Explains how the Act will be enforced by police
B. States the reason the Act was passed
C. Tells readers what the Act is about
D. States when the Act or part of it comes into force
D. States when the Act or part of it comes into force
Explanation: Some Acts take effect immediately, others require commencement by ministerial order.
Which part of an Act usually contains detailed rules, forms, or extensions of the main text?
A. Preamble
B. Interpretation section
C. Schedule
D. Long title
C. Schedule
Explanation: Schedules contain supporting provisions or expanded rules and are found at the end of the Act.
The section of an Act that defines terms like “Minister” or “premises” is called the:
A. Enactment clause
B. Long title
C. Interpretation section
D. Citation provision
C. Interpretation section
Explanation: This section ensures consistent usage of key legal terms throughout the Act.
A lawyer wants to know whether a new provision in a recent Act is legally binding yet. Which section should they check?
A. Commencement section
B. Long title
C. Schedule 1
D. Interpretation section
A. Commencement section
Explanation: This section states when provisions take effect — some are delayed or phased in.
A civil servant is drafting a form that supports a new regulation in a recent Act. Where is she most likely to find the official format?
A. Section 5 of the Act
B. Long title
C. Interpretation clause
D. Schedule to the Act
D. Schedule to the Act
Explanation: Schedules often contain practical documents, examples, and detailed extensions.
A judge is interpreting an ambiguous section of a statute. He refers to the long title. Why?
A. It contains binding precedent
B. It clarifies the legislative purpose
C. It explains ministerial responsibilities
D. It sets the maximum penalties
B. It clarifies the legislative purpose
Explanation: The long title is useful under the purposive approach to help understand the intent of the Act.
A statutory definition of “child” differs from the everyday meaning. Which section governs this usage?
A. Summary
B. Preamble
C. Enabling provision
D. Interpretation section
D. Interpretation section
Explanation: The interpretation section defines specific legal meanings of key terms used in the Act.
An Act contains two Parts: one on consumer rights and another on business regulation. What is the role of “Parts” in an Act?
A. To divide the Act by topic or theme
B. To set out statutory instruments
C. To describe government consultations
D. To include explanatory notes
A. To divide the Act by topic or theme
Explanation: Parts help organise long or complex Acts into subject-based divisions.
An Act says “this Act may be cited as the Consumer Protection Act 2024.” What is this clause called?
A. Long title
B. Interpretation clause
C. Preamble
D. Short title and citation
D. Short title and citation
Explanation: This clause provides the official reference name of the Act.
Which of the following would you NOT normally find in a modern Act?
A. Sections and subsections
B. Binding case law
C. Interpretation clause
D. Schedules
B. Binding case law
Explanation: Acts contain statutory law, not judicial decisions — those come from case law, not legislation.
Why are Acts structured into subsections, paragraphs and sub-paragraphs?
A. To make the Act longer
B. To simplify the language
C. To provide clarity and precision in legal drafting
D. To highlight repealed sections
C. To provide clarity and precision in legal drafting
Explanation: Breaking provisions into sub-sections and paragraphs makes complex rules easier to follow and apply.
